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(Video) MLS – Bizarre Four-Sub Rule Exploited in 2003

In the MLS’s early years, several rules were used to try and engage a soccer-sceptic US public with the sport.

One such rule was the somewhat vague allowance of a fourth sub for the goalkeeper, meaning a subbed ‘keeper wouldn’t count against a side’s allowance of the standard three permitted replacements.

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Bob Bradley exploited the rule in 2003, moving Tim Howard out of goal and replacing him with an outfield player – Mark Lisi – before an extra time period. Lisi was then immediately subbed off for midfielder Eddie Gaven, before Gaven himself swapped positions with Tim Howard – effectively creating a fourth sub for an outfield player.

Bradley was criticised and lauded in equal measure, while Eddie Gaven went on to score the winner.